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Other Pens, Mansfield Park #4
Tom: To Secure His Legacy
Sometimes, when a gentleman wants to secure his future and mend the errors of his past, all he needs is Faith.
Tom Bertram spent his life chasing pleasure until a gate proved too tall for his horse. Now, having faced his own mortality, he is a changed man. He plans to be all that he should be so that he can secure his legacy. If only he had paid more attention to his lessons, he would be able to fix his follies on his own. However, he did not, and now, he must enlist the help of a financial expert.
Faith Eldridge has witnessed the devastation of living to excess and possesses the skills necessary to protect her future from such calamity. Despite her best efforts to keep her activities secret, her talent has not gone unnoticed, and she soon finds herself in a position to lend aid to a gentleman in desperate need of assistance in recouping his losses.
When Tom meets Faith, he doesn't realize that they have met before -- well, they have sort of met before -- but that's a secret Faith hopes to keep Tom from discovering. However, when her student turns out to be as clever as he is handsomely distracting, and when Tom finds his tutor more than a trifle alluring, can any secret be concealed? And when tragedy strikes, can Tom secure both his legacy and his heart, or will his heart be the price he must pay for his former behaviour?
Tom: To Secure his Legacy is the fourth episode in Leenie Brown's Other Pens, Mansfield Park series of books. If you like well-written stories with charmingly resolute heroes bent on bettering their lives and practical yet compassionate heroines determined to choose their own future, then you will enjoy this story about overcoming the past and learning that love is far more valuable than a healthy financial portfolio.
So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Tom: To Secure his Legacy, and discover with Tom and Faith that taking risks is necessary when securing a happily ever after.
Tom Bertram spent his life chasing pleasure until a gate proved too tall for his horse. Now, having faced his own mortality, he is a changed man. He plans to be all that he should be so that he can secure his legacy. If only he had paid more attention to his lessons, he would be able to fix his follies on his own. However, he did not, and now, he must enlist the help of a financial expert.
Faith Eldridge has witnessed the devastation of living to excess and possesses the skills necessary to protect her future from such calamity. Despite her best efforts to keep her activities secret, her talent has not gone unnoticed, and she soon finds herself in a position to lend aid to a gentleman in desperate need of assistance in recouping his losses.
When Tom meets Faith, he doesn't realize that they have met before -- well, they have sort of met before -- but that's a secret Faith hopes to keep Tom from discovering. However, when her student turns out to be as clever as he is handsomely distracting, and when Tom finds his tutor more than a trifle alluring, can any secret be concealed? And when tragedy strikes, can Tom secure both his legacy and his heart, or will his heart be the price he must pay for his former behaviour?
Tom: To Secure his Legacy is the fourth episode in Leenie Brown's Other Pens, Mansfield Park series of books. If you like well-written stories with charmingly resolute heroes bent on bettering their lives and practical yet compassionate heroines determined to choose their own future, then you will enjoy this story about overcoming the past and learning that love is far more valuable than a healthy financial portfolio.
So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Tom: To Secure his Legacy, and discover with Tom and Faith that taking risks is necessary when securing a happily ever after.
- GenresRegency
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2019
36 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Leenie Brown
95 books112 followersLeenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales. At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 22, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story, which is part of Leenie Brown's book series centered on various characters from Mansfield Park. Tom Bertram is less than admirable throughout most of Jane Austen's novel. By its end he's had a near-death experience which inspires him to reform. Ms. Brown uses this information and builds upon it.
As this begins, Tom has good intentions but isn't confident about his ability to make sound financial decisions. Faith Eldridge, the sister of his good friend Robert, has successfully steered her brother from the brink of ruin to solvency, but she's behaved in ways that would be shocking to genteel society. In addition, she has a history with Tom that he himself isn't even aware of.
Faith is leery of Tom, concerned that he will have as much difficulty learning to retrench as Robert. Tom is immediately drawn to Faith, but he is determined not to pursue finding a wife until he has recouped all the money he squandered during his previous careless lifestyle. He feels especially guilty that the consequences of his poor decisions affect his brother Edmund, and he's eager to make amends.
He has an investment opportunity that seems sound to him, but Faith is sceptical. Just when it seems all is in place, circumstances beyond Tom's control puts everything he's been working for in jeopardy, including his relationship with Faith.
This is a sweet, feel-good kind of story. Very satisfying read. Content is clean.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a favorable review. Opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story, which is part of Leenie Brown's book series centered on various characters from Mansfield Park. Tom Bertram is less than admirable throughout most of Jane Austen's novel. By its end he's had a near-death experience which inspires him to reform. Ms. Brown uses this information and builds upon it.
As this begins, Tom has good intentions but isn't confident about his ability to make sound financial decisions. Faith Eldridge, the sister of his good friend Robert, has successfully steered her brother from the brink of ruin to solvency, but she's behaved in ways that would be shocking to genteel society. In addition, she has a history with Tom that he himself isn't even aware of.
Faith is leery of Tom, concerned that he will have as much difficulty learning to retrench as Robert. Tom is immediately drawn to Faith, but he is determined not to pursue finding a wife until he has recouped all the money he squandered during his previous careless lifestyle. He feels especially guilty that the consequences of his poor decisions affect his brother Edmund, and he's eager to make amends.
He has an investment opportunity that seems sound to him, but Faith is sceptical. Just when it seems all is in place, circumstances beyond Tom's control puts everything he's been working for in jeopardy, including his relationship with Faith.
This is a sweet, feel-good kind of story. Very satisfying read. Content is clean.
I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a favorable review. Opinions are my own.
February 13, 2021
Tom Bertram has come a long way since his days of idle, expensive profligacy. He is genuinely remorseful for wasting his inheritance and that of his family. Determined to make up for that loss by wise investment, he takes the advice of his friend and successful businessman Gabe Durrant to seek financial advice. He is shocked to discover that his advisor is none other than his friend, Robert Eldridge's sister Faith.
Faith has a sound financial head on her shoulders and is determined to nag and steer her brother out of financial trouble no matter what even if it means she must dress in men's clothes to visit a stockbroker in a coffee house. She is still miffed that he selfishly left his friend Tom alone at the house while he went off with his other idle friends. Tom nearly died and still has no idea that the 'maid' who looked after him was Faith. When she sees that he is truly set on working out his financial mess, she whole-heartedly settles in to help. Her own heart is softened and she is ready to take the biggest gamble of all.
Another sweet romance between a pair of engaging characters in what is turning out to be a delightful series that read best in order as all the previous characters appear and their story threads are ongoing in the back ground.
Low-angst and even gently-paced since this was mostly character driven. I enjoyed seeing the warm sparkle to the story's tone and the humorous moments when Faith gets naggy at an oblivious younger brother. She has seen men waste fortunes and women pay the consequence so her worry is deserved.
All in all, it was light and engaging. I love the series and look forward to the next book in the series. Recommended for sweet historical romance fans and those who like books set in Jane Austen's world though this is not strictly a sequel.
Faith has a sound financial head on her shoulders and is determined to nag and steer her brother out of financial trouble no matter what even if it means she must dress in men's clothes to visit a stockbroker in a coffee house. She is still miffed that he selfishly left his friend Tom alone at the house while he went off with his other idle friends. Tom nearly died and still has no idea that the 'maid' who looked after him was Faith. When she sees that he is truly set on working out his financial mess, she whole-heartedly settles in to help. Her own heart is softened and she is ready to take the biggest gamble of all.
Another sweet romance between a pair of engaging characters in what is turning out to be a delightful series that read best in order as all the previous characters appear and their story threads are ongoing in the back ground.
Low-angst and even gently-paced since this was mostly character driven. I enjoyed seeing the warm sparkle to the story's tone and the humorous moments when Faith gets naggy at an oblivious younger brother. She has seen men waste fortunes and women pay the consequence so her worry is deserved.
All in all, it was light and engaging. I love the series and look forward to the next book in the series. Recommended for sweet historical romance fans and those who like books set in Jane Austen's world though this is not strictly a sequel.
June 12, 2023
“… the male heart which lay beneath the bluster and boasting was a fragile thing.” Quote from the book.
Rating: clean: This is part of Leenie Brown’s ‘Other Pens Collection’ series. These novellas feature ‘stories of redemption and reformation’ where characters ‘find a way to overcome their failures and find their own happiness.’ Tom’s story is part of Brown’s ‘Mansfield Park Continuation Episodes.’ It is suggested that the books in this series be read in the order they were published as characters follow from the previous books and actions and details need to be known in order to understand the motivations of what is going on.
Wow! That was a mouthful. What does it mean? Well… it means Brown took our nefarious characters from Mansfield Park and tried to reform them. Henry Crawford… remember him? What a jerk. He was the first to reform. I did not like Henry Crawford… ‘Sam I am’… I did not like him one bit. Well, dang, if Brown didn’t make him into a half-way decent guy. I still don’t know how I feel about that. I wanted to dislike him forever. But that sister of his was horrible in all the books. Then it was her turn. Mary Crawford… just saying her name made me shudder. You HAVE to read her story. Brown certainly took her down a peg or two. Oh, and her fair-weather friends turned out to be no friends at all. OMG! What a story.
The reason I mention those stories is the reoccurring characters that appear in Tom’s story. Yes, it is our very own Tom Bertram. Alive and well and feeling rather bad about his youthful ways and the fact he squandered away his younger brother’s inheritance. You don’t exactly have to have read the Mansfield Park book; however, it would be helpful due to the many references to events from that story.
Characters: Gabriel Durward, his mother [such a mothering creature and always cold], Charles Edwards, Henry Crawford, and Trefor Linton. It was so nice to see names I remembered from the previous books. Then we have the cross-over visit from characters in another Austen classic. Oh, such fun to see them appear in a scene. It was smoothly done and I enjoyed having them visit.
Tom Bertram nearly died due to his youthful actions. In a moment of carelessness, he was injured and didn’t take care of himself and developed a fever. Where was he? Who took care of him? Austen gave us hints that he was left in the care of servants after his friends abandoned him. Who contacted the family and alerted them to his situation? Brown took that nugget and created a story around what might have happened to Tom during that time. She also gave those faceless ‘Good Samaritans’ a name with their own story. This was delightful as Tom attempted to reestablish his life and his finances on his road to his HEA.
Just when I thought all was lost, the story abruptly turned and then ended. It happened way too quickly. At least it wasn’t a cliffhanger. I felt there was too much financial information in the middle of the story at the expense of the ending. I was left with a lot of questions. There wasn’t an epilogue as to what happened at Mansfield Park. I suppose we can assume things progressed as Tom had indicated. I just wanted to know. Otherwise, I enjoyed seeing Tom… the new Tom… and to have a story about the lapse of time and those Good Samaritans. The declarations were sigh-worthy. Overall, I recommend this story. It is light and not very heavy in the angst department.
Rating: clean: This is part of Leenie Brown’s ‘Other Pens Collection’ series. These novellas feature ‘stories of redemption and reformation’ where characters ‘find a way to overcome their failures and find their own happiness.’ Tom’s story is part of Brown’s ‘Mansfield Park Continuation Episodes.’ It is suggested that the books in this series be read in the order they were published as characters follow from the previous books and actions and details need to be known in order to understand the motivations of what is going on.
Wow! That was a mouthful. What does it mean? Well… it means Brown took our nefarious characters from Mansfield Park and tried to reform them. Henry Crawford… remember him? What a jerk. He was the first to reform. I did not like Henry Crawford… ‘Sam I am’… I did not like him one bit. Well, dang, if Brown didn’t make him into a half-way decent guy. I still don’t know how I feel about that. I wanted to dislike him forever. But that sister of his was horrible in all the books. Then it was her turn. Mary Crawford… just saying her name made me shudder. You HAVE to read her story. Brown certainly took her down a peg or two. Oh, and her fair-weather friends turned out to be no friends at all. OMG! What a story.
The reason I mention those stories is the reoccurring characters that appear in Tom’s story. Yes, it is our very own Tom Bertram. Alive and well and feeling rather bad about his youthful ways and the fact he squandered away his younger brother’s inheritance. You don’t exactly have to have read the Mansfield Park book; however, it would be helpful due to the many references to events from that story.
Characters: Gabriel Durward, his mother [such a mothering creature and always cold], Charles Edwards, Henry Crawford, and Trefor Linton. It was so nice to see names I remembered from the previous books. Then we have the cross-over visit from characters in another Austen classic. Oh, such fun to see them appear in a scene. It was smoothly done and I enjoyed having them visit.
Tom Bertram nearly died due to his youthful actions. In a moment of carelessness, he was injured and didn’t take care of himself and developed a fever. Where was he? Who took care of him? Austen gave us hints that he was left in the care of servants after his friends abandoned him. Who contacted the family and alerted them to his situation? Brown took that nugget and created a story around what might have happened to Tom during that time. She also gave those faceless ‘Good Samaritans’ a name with their own story. This was delightful as Tom attempted to reestablish his life and his finances on his road to his HEA.
Just when I thought all was lost, the story abruptly turned and then ended. It happened way too quickly. At least it wasn’t a cliffhanger. I felt there was too much financial information in the middle of the story at the expense of the ending. I was left with a lot of questions. There wasn’t an epilogue as to what happened at Mansfield Park. I suppose we can assume things progressed as Tom had indicated. I just wanted to know. Otherwise, I enjoyed seeing Tom… the new Tom… and to have a story about the lapse of time and those Good Samaritans. The declarations were sigh-worthy. Overall, I recommend this story. It is light and not very heavy in the angst department.
March 25, 2019
This story ends at 91% in the Kindle version.
Tom Bertram has escaped death as we know from reading Mansfield Park. What he remembers of that experience is an angel nursing him and he doesn't know who that was...he was told it was a servant girl. He can't seem to forget her.
But now Tom is a changed man. He wants to restore the monies he lost from the Mansfield Park estate and also to restore his brother, Edmund, to the living he deserved. He finds his friend, Robert Eldridge, has also been working on restoring his fortune and that man introduces Tom to his sister, Faith, who has not only been advising him on financial matters but also making sure he keeps his "nose to the grindstone". They look at investments and the safety of such carefully. The threesome have met in a coffeehouse and she disguises herself by dressing as a man. Tom sees through the disguise and agrees to keep her secret as he finds her financial know-how is just what he needs to get his monies in order.
As time goes by and they meet more often Tom finds that this lady does more then hand out financial advice and that she wears other disguises at time. Eventually he learns that they have met before and that that situation was very unusual but he has a misty memory of it as it was while he was on death's bed.
He also finds he has a new reason to straighten out his affairs as he wants to marry but will not offer for a lady when he cannot take care of her as she is accustomed to nor as he wants. But just when they have finally revealed how they feel disaster strikes and seemingly there are years before he will see himself clear to be able to offer for any lady. He tells her to move on.
This story is short but it certainly kept my attention. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy make a cameo appearance at one point. I recommend this enjoyable story.
Tom Bertram has escaped death as we know from reading Mansfield Park. What he remembers of that experience is an angel nursing him and he doesn't know who that was...he was told it was a servant girl. He can't seem to forget her.
But now Tom is a changed man. He wants to restore the monies he lost from the Mansfield Park estate and also to restore his brother, Edmund, to the living he deserved. He finds his friend, Robert Eldridge, has also been working on restoring his fortune and that man introduces Tom to his sister, Faith, who has not only been advising him on financial matters but also making sure he keeps his "nose to the grindstone". They look at investments and the safety of such carefully. The threesome have met in a coffeehouse and she disguises herself by dressing as a man. Tom sees through the disguise and agrees to keep her secret as he finds her financial know-how is just what he needs to get his monies in order.
As time goes by and they meet more often Tom finds that this lady does more then hand out financial advice and that she wears other disguises at time. Eventually he learns that they have met before and that that situation was very unusual but he has a misty memory of it as it was while he was on death's bed.
He also finds he has a new reason to straighten out his affairs as he wants to marry but will not offer for a lady when he cannot take care of her as she is accustomed to nor as he wants. But just when they have finally revealed how they feel disaster strikes and seemingly there are years before he will see himself clear to be able to offer for any lady. He tells her to move on.
This story is short but it certainly kept my attention. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy make a cameo appearance at one point. I recommend this enjoyable story.
March 19, 2019
"He became what he ought to be; useful to his father, steady and quiet, and not living merely for himself." (Jane Austen's Mansfield Park)
Another delightful rendering from Ms. Brown that I thoroughly enjoyed. I always wondered what would have become of Tom after his near death experience. Ms. Brown has given us a worthy one that has him seeing life from a whole new perspective.
With the help of his good friend, Mr. Gabriel Durward, and financial advisor, Frederick Eldridge, he hopes to secure his legacy and repay the money he squandered. But is Frederick (Faith) Eldridge the person he/she says he/she is? Oh, I just loved the sparks between Tom and Faith. Her intelligence and kind but practical heart draws him in as they work together to minimize the risks to his investment and to their hearts.
"The thought of doing without something to which you have grown accustomed can be a frightening thing. And it smacked of failure." (quote from the book)
We are also treated to characters we love so dearly; namely, Mr. Gardiner and a wonderful glimpse of two others. I do look forward to more 'episodes' in this series from Ms. Brown.
March 15, 2019
In this Mansfield Park sequel, Tom Bertram has wasted his life and some of the Mansfield fortune. When coming close to dying and recovering he intends to reform and recover his losses. But he is in need of a financial advisor. Enter Faith Eldridge, but will Tom recognise Faith as the lady who saved his life. Can Tom redeem himself and save Mansfield,his legacy.
Another enjoyable well-written story in this series
Another enjoyable well-written story in this series
June 4, 2023
An easy and enjoyable continuation of an engaging series
This author has created a very well constructed series of Mansfield Park continuations peppered with both original characters and those created by Austen.
In this book we follow Tom Bertram as he seeks to turn his life around and restore his brother's inheritance which Tom lost through gambling and wild living. We are also introduced to a new character, Faith Eldridge, who is filled with common sense and compassion as she seeks to help both Tom and her own brother to set their finances on a firmer footing.
The writing is tight and well edited and the cast list is not too long for a book of this length making for a pleasing read with just the right amount of sweetness and romance.
This author is reliable in the quality of her work and is to be recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author has created a very well constructed series of Mansfield Park continuations peppered with both original characters and those created by Austen.
In this book we follow Tom Bertram as he seeks to turn his life around and restore his brother's inheritance which Tom lost through gambling and wild living. We are also introduced to a new character, Faith Eldridge, who is filled with common sense and compassion as she seeks to help both Tom and her own brother to set their finances on a firmer footing.
The writing is tight and well edited and the cast list is not too long for a book of this length making for a pleasing read with just the right amount of sweetness and romance.
This author is reliable in the quality of her work and is to be recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2022
Questa volta il romance non mi ha convinta proprio, perché è troppo breve e con qualche incongruenza. I personaggi austeniani mantengono come sempre solo il nome, ma il loro carattere non somiglia affatto, e sembra che Brown abbia dimenticato di aver fatto riscattare sia Henry che Mary Crawford, visto che Edmund ne è all'oscuro... LOL!
Insomma, se l'autrice avesse fatto lo sforzo di arricchire un po' la trama, forse le incongruenze non ci sarebbero state o si sarebbero notate meno e non sarei rimasta così insoddisfatta.
Naturalmente non leggerò l'ultimo libro della serie, perché non vi compare nessun personaggio austeniano (come protagonista, per lo meno) e quindi non ne vedo l'utilità!
Insomma, se l'autrice avesse fatto lo sforzo di arricchire un po' la trama, forse le incongruenze non ci sarebbero state o si sarebbero notate meno e non sarei rimasta così insoddisfatta.
Naturalmente non leggerò l'ultimo libro della serie, perché non vi compare nessun personaggio austeniano (come protagonista, per lo meno) e quindi non ne vedo l'utilità!
April 22, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars rounded up. This story follows Tom Bertram from Mansfield Park and it picks up right after Mary’s story ends. I loved that the timeline continued so closely to the last book. Some familiar characters are back including Mr. Durward and Mr. Gardiner and even the Darcys make an appearance, which was fun to read. Tom is trying to recover from his past financial losses by investing and his financial advisor turns out to be the sister of one of his friends, Miss Eldridge. She is a well written love interest for Tom and I enjoyed their interactions. This is another novella length story but it was a little on the short side. There was a good twist at the end... part of which I did not see coming. The obstacle is soon removed and all ends as expected. I’ve enjoyed all four books in the series.
June 30, 2023
Needed that Epiphany Moment
I believe I've read all of this author’s books in her Other Pens series. Until this one, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I've been reading this author’s JAFF for years, and her typical writing style appeals to me as a lover of historical romance, and in particular, Jane Austen fanfiction. Her language is elevated, but not overly much, and the little conversations she creates between the characters, to my mind, seem to be what would be very typical for lords and ladies of the era, removed as they are from life's harshest difficulties. What I've particularly enjoyed in this series is how near the beginning, one main character has a believable epiphany about the type of person they've been before and how they want to change (and why they may want to do so) in the future to be a better person. I'm a massive fan of well-done redemption stories. Perhaps I was put a little off-kilter by how this book didn't really start with Tom's epiphany. Rather, it starts sometime after that when he is just starting to put himself—and his squandered brother’s fortune—to rights and mend his ways. I would have loved to have seen that moment of epiphany, perhaps after Tom doing or thinking of some rapscallion thing! The heroine is an intriguing character, but she seemed a little too far out of keeping with what would be common for a young lady in her circumstances. Contemporary authors often push that envelope too far, creating a character who would be unlike one truly back in the day, and I feel that happened here. Still, I could enjoy the writing for simply being good writing, even if the characters and the story did not quite do it for me.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I believe I've read all of this author’s books in her Other Pens series. Until this one, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I've been reading this author’s JAFF for years, and her typical writing style appeals to me as a lover of historical romance, and in particular, Jane Austen fanfiction. Her language is elevated, but not overly much, and the little conversations she creates between the characters, to my mind, seem to be what would be very typical for lords and ladies of the era, removed as they are from life's harshest difficulties. What I've particularly enjoyed in this series is how near the beginning, one main character has a believable epiphany about the type of person they've been before and how they want to change (and why they may want to do so) in the future to be a better person. I'm a massive fan of well-done redemption stories. Perhaps I was put a little off-kilter by how this book didn't really start with Tom's epiphany. Rather, it starts sometime after that when he is just starting to put himself—and his squandered brother’s fortune—to rights and mend his ways. I would have loved to have seen that moment of epiphany, perhaps after Tom doing or thinking of some rapscallion thing! The heroine is an intriguing character, but she seemed a little too far out of keeping with what would be common for a young lady in her circumstances. Contemporary authors often push that envelope too far, creating a character who would be unlike one truly back in the day, and I feel that happened here. Still, I could enjoy the writing for simply being good writing, even if the characters and the story did not quite do it for me.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
May 15, 2023
I have enjoyed seeing the naughty characters in Mansfield Park get a book of redemption. The series shows that everyone has some good in them somewhere. Tom's comes to light after his near death. I loved that it was the singing of his angel that brought him around to wanting to be a better person.
I loved that Faith is willing to do what is necessary to get around the social norms of the society she lives in. I loved that she has brains she uses to help her brother and others. Those 'brains' are what would be expected of a male but not of a lady in that day. So while she takes on stereotypical male attributes, she also uses the stereotypical female traits to help those in need. It is that willingness to do what is necessary to achieve the desired goal.
I also like that though this series is based on characters from Mansfield Park, it also makes original characters be a big focus in the books.
Enjoyable, clean read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I loved that Faith is willing to do what is necessary to get around the social norms of the society she lives in. I loved that she has brains she uses to help her brother and others. Those 'brains' are what would be expected of a male but not of a lady in that day. So while she takes on stereotypical male attributes, she also uses the stereotypical female traits to help those in need. It is that willingness to do what is necessary to achieve the desired goal.
I also like that though this series is based on characters from Mansfield Park, it also makes original characters be a big focus in the books.
Enjoyable, clean read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 18, 2019
A Sweet and Clean Legacy of Love
Tom Bertram, heir to a title and a wealthy estate, wasted many years and squandered money that wasn't his to lose. But no more. He is determined to change and to restore his good name and the money he lost. Nearly dying often has a profound effect. So does meeting the right woman.
Faith Eldridge lives by certain rules. She has a fine mind, a good heart and a well kept secret. In fact, she has a number of secrets, but all are known to her brother, who has been trying to mend his ways with her help. Her life seems to be going well until Faith crosses paths with Tom.
For a short and sweet novella, Tom: To Secure His Legacy by Leenie Brown is most entertaining and enjoyable. The story is well written with believable dialogue. All of the characters are likable and well developed. Overall this is an easy read with a sweet ending.
Tom Bertram, heir to a title and a wealthy estate, wasted many years and squandered money that wasn't his to lose. But no more. He is determined to change and to restore his good name and the money he lost. Nearly dying often has a profound effect. So does meeting the right woman.
Faith Eldridge lives by certain rules. She has a fine mind, a good heart and a well kept secret. In fact, she has a number of secrets, but all are known to her brother, who has been trying to mend his ways with her help. Her life seems to be going well until Faith crosses paths with Tom.
For a short and sweet novella, Tom: To Secure His Legacy by Leenie Brown is most entertaining and enjoyable. The story is well written with believable dialogue. All of the characters are likable and well developed. Overall this is an easy read with a sweet ending.
May 16, 2023
This series is about reforming roguish characters. Tom Bertram is healing from an injury and regretting his past mistakes. He wants to repair his finances and to that end, he asks for investment advice. Faith and her brother Robert are also trying to economise, although she is better at it than he is. Tom is not aware but Faith spent some time taking care of Tom after his injury. He has a vague memory of a beautiful angel, but once he puts two and two together he wants to fix his money issues more than ever, so he could think of marrying. It is a sweet, quick story that builds on previous books in the series and refers to their events so it is likely best read in order. The Darcys from Two Days Before Christmas make a brief cameo but knowledge of that book isn't required.
Steam level: Not really.
I received a booksprout copy and this is a voluntary review.
Steam level: Not really.
I received a booksprout copy and this is a voluntary review.
May 25, 2023
Leenie Brown has turned into one of my all time favorite regency romance authors. Her series of novellas lack nothing and this one continued to have me swiping the pages in anticipation. So far each writing I have read is able to be a standalone novella but they offer so much insight into the lives of the characters and the surrounding characters that it has you wanting to know more and thankfully she delivers these stories in other books. This story was entertaining while at the same time offering a glimpse into the impact decisions made by the men in this time period affected the women. The story of Tom and Faith is well written with just the right amount of mystery, adversity and love. For fans of Jane Austen this is clean historical read not to be missed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2019
Tom Bertram is a changed man. For years he has been living to have a good time. A While ago he took a fall from his horse, and was injured and nearly died. That is when, after he recovered, is when
he decided he must get his affairs in order, and pay back large sums to his father's estate. He tried to fix things on his own. Soon he knew he needed some help from a financial advisor.
Faith Eldridge is very good with numbers and has managed her own funds well. She is also trying to help her wayward brother with his financial affairs. She is the one chosen to put a plan in place to help Tom get his books in order.
But soon she and Tom are becoming interested in knowing each other better. This is a well written story. Buy the book and see what happens between Faith and Tom and how they overcome everything thrown at them.
he decided he must get his affairs in order, and pay back large sums to his father's estate. He tried to fix things on his own. Soon he knew he needed some help from a financial advisor.
Faith Eldridge is very good with numbers and has managed her own funds well. She is also trying to help her wayward brother with his financial affairs. She is the one chosen to put a plan in place to help Tom get his books in order.
But soon she and Tom are becoming interested in knowing each other better. This is a well written story. Buy the book and see what happens between Faith and Tom and how they overcome everything thrown at them.
October 31, 2019
I enjoyed this romance with its almost too good to be true hero. What saved him and allowed him his humanity was his constant acknowledgements that he had wasted his past life, and many of the difficulties he currently faced were due to poor choices on his part in the past.
Faith struggled with finding ways to use her abilities within the constrictions placed on women in her era. She and Tom meet in a most unconventional fashion. Fortunately, he is desperate enough in his pursuit of improving his financial status, he accepts her help.
The author did well in developing the plot and characters into a delightful story. I'm not much on Jane Austen redos--and this one was more an "after Jane Austen" story--but I certainly liked it.
Faith struggled with finding ways to use her abilities within the constrictions placed on women in her era. She and Tom meet in a most unconventional fashion. Fortunately, he is desperate enough in his pursuit of improving his financial status, he accepts her help.
The author did well in developing the plot and characters into a delightful story. I'm not much on Jane Austen redos--and this one was more an "after Jane Austen" story--but I certainly liked it.
June 12, 2023
I have a soft spot for Tom Bertram, the harum scarum heir to Mansfield Park and Leenie Brown depicts him very well, taking Jane Austen's little 'epilogue' about him and and painting a very convincing picture of his path to redemption. The whole book works in very well with the author's previous volumes in the 'Other Pens' series. But (and this is purely my opinion so I must ask forgiveness of Ms Brown) I could not take to Tom's love interest; I don't know why but I couldn't engage with her.
Other than my own, personal reaction though, I would say that if you have read the others in this series, you will likely enjoy this one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Other than my own, personal reaction though, I would say that if you have read the others in this series, you will likely enjoy this one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2023
Well written, sweet novella, full of drama, sweet love, romance, great characters and secrets. This novella picks up from Mary's story and continues, using some of the other characters from her other books. Makes for a fast paced read. Tom was hurt from a riding accident and never realized Faith helps him heal until he starts to get better. Tom realizes that he will need to do a better job of his finances so in comes "Mr. Clark" whom is suggested to him. As the story goes on, Tom becomes aware that Clark is really Faith, becoming aware that there is more to come for them both. Happy ending for them. Great read. Would recommend this book to all.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2023
Tom Bertram is a changed man. He has an aching reminder every day that living a life as an irresponsible and careless man can bring a person very close to death. Having survived such a painful lesson, Tom has vowed that he will restore Mansfield's coffers partially through investing, not that he really knows very much about that. Reaching out for help to a financial expert seems like the best way for Tom to make money with little risk.
Faith Eldridge is the financial expert that is set to help Tom regain monies to "pay back" the estate that which he had previously lost. But Faith is more familiar with Tom than he realizes. Is she the "angel" of his dreams?
This story is a low angst, clean, sweet romance that is delightfully entertaining. The characters are believable and mesh very well together. This book, like the other 3 before it, is highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Faith Eldridge is the financial expert that is set to help Tom regain monies to "pay back" the estate that which he had previously lost. But Faith is more familiar with Tom than he realizes. Is she the "angel" of his dreams?
This story is a low angst, clean, sweet romance that is delightfully entertaining. The characters are believable and mesh very well together. This book, like the other 3 before it, is highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
3.5 stars
After his accident, Tom Bertram had a wake up call and is now is trying to redeem himself and recoup the money he lost. Faith Eldridge has an affinity for numbers and is the one in her family who manages their finances. She is also trying to encourage her brother, Robert to become more responsible. Faith is determined and quite fearless in how she goes about things. Faith has a caring nature and helps those she can. Tom and Faith meet over financial matters. Tom has an attraction to Faith but he needs to prove himself. Faith will only marry for love. I did like that we caught up with Gabe from the previous book, he is one of my favourite characters. This was an enjoyable read with likeable characters. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did preorder my own copy.
After his accident, Tom Bertram had a wake up call and is now is trying to redeem himself and recoup the money he lost. Faith Eldridge has an affinity for numbers and is the one in her family who manages their finances. She is also trying to encourage her brother, Robert to become more responsible. Faith is determined and quite fearless in how she goes about things. Faith has a caring nature and helps those she can. Tom and Faith meet over financial matters. Tom has an attraction to Faith but he needs to prove himself. Faith will only marry for love. I did like that we caught up with Gabe from the previous book, he is one of my favourite characters. This was an enjoyable read with likeable characters. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did preorder my own copy.
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